Wednesday 31 December 2008

Hot Fuzz

Can't talk now... deadline to meet...New Year almost here....AARGHH!

Hot Fuzz (2007)


Sometimes I get the feeling that the trio of Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost have been reading my "Things that are awesome and what I want to see in films in the future" diary. The films seem tailor-made to the sort of things I would put into films if I had money, talent and if anyone liked me. In any case, you've got to admire the efforts of what I call "The Holy Trinity", those diary stealing, privacy invading fucks...

"Have you ever wondered why the crime rate in Sandford is so low, yet the accident rate is so high?"

The plot follows Nicholas Angel (Simon Pegg)- a top cop in the London Metropolitan Police Service who is relocated to the quiet country town of Sandford, because he's been making his co-workers "look bad". Once there he meets inept Constable Danny Butterman (Nick Frost), son of the Police Inspector Frank Butterman (Jim Broadbent) and huge action movie fan. After Angel arrives, a series of grisly "accidents" happen in the town and Angel seems to be the only one who suspects foul play. Just like "Shaun of the Dead" it's a great story and has some fantastic performances from the main cast. The supporting cast are not to be ignored, however, as they basically act as a "Who's Who" of British stars, including Jim Broadbent, Timothy Dalton and Edward Woodward.

As you know, I loved "Shaun of the Dead", but I kept getting the feeling that I was missing out on a lot of the in-jokes because I'm not really a fan of horror. "Hot Fuzz" rectifies this, being a pastiche of nearly every action film ever made. I was cackling like only a nerd can when little references to films like "Point Break" and "Bad Boys II" were made. I think that the film nails the whole insular, small town mindset that a lot of British towns have. In fact, talking of nerdism- I think the whole parody of the "kiss-off" lines ( i.e. Angel distracts a baddie with a cuddly monkey and then hits him, quipping "Playtime's over!") is brilliant. I mean, just watch any film from Arnie's back catalogue, and you'll find some gems.

"By the power of Greyskull!"

Pegg and Frost continue their persuit for "World's Greatest Double Act" in this film, as they are both great. The thing I like about their on-screen relationship this time is that it is significantly different to "Shaun of the Dead". In this film, Pegg is more the straight man whereas Frost is more loveable as Danny than he was as the foul-mouthed Ed. It's clear Timothy Dalton had a good time making this as he chews every piece of scenery going with great aplomb.

"Hot Fuzz" is similar to "Shaun of the Dead" in the way that I can't really pick out favourite scenes. The shoot-out is incredible and funny, but I'm also a fan of the fight (being careful about spoilers here) in the town. So, in conclusion- if you haven't seen "Hot Fuzz" yet, you should because it's off the fuckin' chain!


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